Olympic ice hockey has been a part of the Winter Games since 1924.
While the Soviets dominated early Olympic tournaments, the Americans had a chance to beat them at Lake Placid in 1960 and again in 1980. The latter game, known as ‘The Miracle on Ice’, is considered one of the greatest sports and cultural moments in history.
During a semifinal against the Soviets, it looked like the Americans were going to lose. The Soviets had a 2-1 lead late in the third period. Their goaltender Pelle Lindbergh was smothering every U.S. opportunity, and a power-play attempt with six minutes remaining came up empty.
Then, with ten minutes left in the game, captain Mike Eruzione picked up the puck off the boards behind the net and used a defenseman as a screen to rip a wrist shot past the goalie. The Americans won the game 4-3, and went on to win gold.
In addition to playing on a larger rink, Olympic ice hockey differs from the NHL in a few other ways. For example, the game is played with three 20-minute periods with 15-minute intermissions. And, unlike the NHL, if the game is tied at the end of overtime, penalty shootouts determine the winner.
Another difference between the Olympics and the NHL is the ice markings that guide faceoffs. The center circle, for instance, is larger at the Olympics to help players find each other and establish defensive zones. In the NHL, on the other hand, it is smaller and more rounded.
